'Find Thirty' to help prevent diabetes

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, is encouraging Canberrans to make physical activity part of their day – starting today on World Diabetes Day.

Ms Gallagher said diabetes was one of Australia’s fastest growing chronic diseases, affecting about 1.5 million Australians.

“An estimated 275 adults are diagnosed every day,” she said, “and locally, there are now more than 13,000 Canberrans who have been diagnosed with diabetes.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease for which there is no cure and is one of the top ten causes of death in Australia.
 
“Diabetes has reached epidemic levels in Australia but despite this, community awareness of diabetes is limited with 1 in 2 people with type 2 diabetes not knowing they have the disease,” Ms Gallagher said.

There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes represents 10 to 15% of all cases of diabetes and can occur at any age, but it is more often diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by lifestyle factor and cannot be prevented.

Type 2 diabetes is often the result of a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. The management of type 2 diabetes involves regular physical activity, healthy eating and losing excess weight. It is estimated that up to 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.
 
Ms Gallagher said that as part of the Find Thirty. It’s not big exercise® campaign, ACT Health has a ‘come and try’ program of events starting tomorrow 14 November and running until 29 November.

“Although I have a very busy schedule, I still try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into my day and I would encourage other Canberrans to prioritise their health and find time for physical activity as well,” she said.

“I’ve also checked my risk factor by filling out the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) - a one page questionnaire designed to educate people about the risk of diabetes.

“My score was 2 indicating I’m at low risk of diabetes. But a low score doesn’t mean we can become complacent. It’s very easy with a busy schedule to slip back into old habits so it’s important we all make time in our busy schedules to exercise, eat well and look after ourselves.”

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2009 is prevention and education. As part of global efforts to promote the day, a number of monuments around the world will be lit in blue to ‘bring diabetes to light’, including Black Mountain Tower.

For more information about Find Thirty. It’s not big exercise® ‘come and try’ program of events visit www.health.act.gov.au/findthirty

14 November 2009